hi everyone

i have got a second hand built helijan plastic kit of a grain silo / grain elevator.

it's bare plastic but been weathered by previous owner with powders and seems to be varnished.

i want to paint it as i don't like the finish.

any suggestions?

should i bathe / wash it in ipa alcohol or dettol or oven cleaner or something?

don't want to damage the plastic but need a clean surface for painting really...


cheers


tim

I have a ultrasonic cleaner that I use IPA in to strip paint from plastic. Seems to work, can't guarantee it on all plastics.

It's a shame the original owner didn't paint it.  I never leave anything bare plastic.   

It's a silo, it wouldn't have a perfect finish.  Try cleaning gently as best you can if you feel it needs it, then give it a light spray of primer and see how that goes as a base for whatever paint and weathering you want to use.

thanks for the replies

I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.

yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish...  just as well...

which ultrasonic cleaner do you have?  I may buy one to clean airbrush in.  trying not to spend money though.


cheers


tim

I can't, unfortunately, remember which ultrasonic cleaner I have. It's damn good, and was under £100 about 5 years ago. I've used it for washing 3D prints, removing paint from models and cleaning small household items.

If I get a chance to, I'll dig it out and have a look.

Quote from: bluedepot on July 22, 2023, 09:14:52 PMthanks for the replies

I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.

yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish...  just as well...

which ultrasonic cleaner do you have?  I may buy one to clean airbrush in.  trying not to spend money though.


cheers


tim

I'd clean it either with enamel paint thinners or nail polish remover applied with a cotton bud to prepare the surfaces for repainting

Quote from: gc4946 on July 22, 2023, 11:57:56 PM

Quote from: bluedepot on July 22, 2023, 09:14:52 PMthanks for the replies

I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.

yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish...  just as well...

which ultrasonic cleaner do you have?  I may buy one to clean airbrush in.  trying not to spend money though.


cheers


tim

I'd clean it either with enamel paint thinners or nail polish remover applied with a cotton bud to prepare the surfaces for repainting

I'd be VERY careful using acetone on a plastic kit. It has a habit of melting stuff.

I agree with that. Acetone will melt the plastic!

thanks everyone!

noted ill avoid acetone!

cheers


tim

polly bag to fit the model , place inside and spray with oven cleaner , soak for 4/6 hours  , remove and wash in soapy water , it may need 2 goings  ... great on loco bodys .

factory weathering only if your quick , biger brush and wet down with liquid polly , do not lay off .